Barnaby Joyce has started two weeks of sick leave, with his Nationals leader saying it's up to his local branch to decide his political future.
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The former deputy prime minister has taken two weeks off sick after recording a tell-all, $150,000 interview with his staffer-turned-partner Vikki Campion.
Mr Joyce had been granted medical leave until the end of June, meaning he wouldn't be back at parliament until mid-August, after the winter break.
But on Wednesday he said he'll back before the next sitting on June 18.
"Contrary to reports, I'm taking leave until June 15 following a routine check-up. The medical certificate provided allowed for a month," Mr Joyce tweeted.
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"I look forward to resuming parliamentary duties. The electorate office will continue normal operations in this fortnight."
Nationals leader Michael McCormack confirmed Mr Joyce presented a medical certificate before the party gave him four weeks' paid sick leave.
The current deputy prime minister also told Michelle Grattan's The Conversation podcast it was up to Mr Joyce's electorate whether he stayed in politics.
"That'll be a matter for him and that'll be a matter for the National party in New England," Mr McCormack said.
"That'll be a matter for a branch to nominate him and then that'll be a matter for the branch members in New England as to whether or not they decide if he nominates or if anybody else nominates."
He raised the example of Liberal Assistant Minister Jane Prentice, who lost her own preselection despite being a sitting MP.
"That's democracy at work," Mr McCormack said.
Mr Joyce's sudden departure comes six weeks after he and staffer-turned-partner Vikki Campion welcomed a baby boy.
The backbencher and his ex-media advisor have been widely criticised after deciding to pocket $150,000 for a television tell-all about their affair.
Mr Joyce and Ms Campion's interview will be broadcast on Sunday night.
Mr Joyce jumped to the back bench after his relationship with Ms Campion became public in February. Their son Sebastian was born on April 16.
He has split from his wife Natalie, the mother of their four daughters.
Australian Associated Press
